Godiva — f English: Latinized form of an Old English female personal name composed of the elements god god + gyfu gift. It is thus the equivalent of THEODORA (SEE Theodora) and Bogdana (see BOGDAN (SEE Bogdan)). The name was borne by an 11th century… … First names dictionary

Godiva — d.1067, Lady of Coventry and wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. Legend first recorded 100 years after her death, by Roger of Wendover. Peeping Tom aspect added by 1659 … Etymology dictionary

Godiva — [gə dī′və] n. Eng. Legend an 11th cent. noblewoman of Coventry who, on the dare of her husband, rode naked through the streets on horseback so that he would abolish a heavy tax … English World dictionary

Godiva — /geuh duy veuh/, n. ( Lady Godiva ), died 1057, wife of Leofric. According to legend, she rode naked through the streets of Coventry, England, to win relief for the people from a burdensome tax. * * * … Universalium